EMERGENCY services were called after a fire broke out on a famous ship moored at Harwich International Port.
Witnesses reported seeing emergency vehicles rushing to the incident at about 8am on Saturday.
Harwich resident Alan Gardner said they were heading towards an incident near the RRS Sir David Attenborough.
He saw numerous fire engines, an ambulance and a police car going towards Harwich International Port.
He said: “I was actually cutting the grass verges on the approach road to the port.
“There were at least two normal fire engines and a Simon Snorkel tower fire engine.
“There was also at least one ambulance and police car.
“I was told by someone that it was on the RRS Sir David Attenborough.”
He said the emergency services left the scene half an hour after arriving.
The RRS Sir David Attenborough is a polar research ship named after the famous nature documentary presenter.
Earlier this year, the vessel returned on May 30 from a seven-month expedition to the Rothera Research Station in Antarctica.
A spokesman for the Essex Fire Service said: "Crews were called to Harwich International Port at 8.22am this morning after reports of a small fire in an electrical room on a ship.
"On arrival firefighters confirmed the fire was out and inspected the area to make sure it was safe."
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